At 09:57 PM 4/30/96 -0700, you wrote: >Anyone know the diameter of the MSX subsatellite (and thus its potential for >visibility)? I just checked OIG -- no elements except 96 24A and 96 24B, >so perhaps the subsatellite has not been released yet. MSX was launched using Delta's larger 10' dia fairing, rather that the necked down 9.5' fairing (which is standard) or the straight 8' one. But this does not mean MSX needed all the clearance in the 10' version, since the narrow aft end of the 9.5' fairing is only 8' dia, and that didn't fit. The narrow end of the 9.5' fairing usually is around the smaller, optional third stage (a Star-48 PAM) motor. The 10' fairing is usually used for large LEO payloads (such as last year's XTE launch. So... basically, the lack of third stage motor AND use of the 10' fairing means that the payload envelope of MSX was greater than about 7.5'. Did this answer your question? Perhaps not. If not, please forgive the launch vehicle off-subject post. But it's my work, and I love it! ___________________________________________ John C. Broman, Jr. Orbital Launch Services Project Office Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 470 john.broman@gsfc.nasa.gov ___________________________________________